Vol. XIX No. 5
February 2004

Should We Still Celebrate Black History Month?

By AMINA ROYSTER

Do I believe that Black History Month is a form of segregation? Is it still necessary to reserve a special time for black history today? When I came home for winter break and had some time to sort out my thoughts on this subject, I found myself struggling. My first thought was that I felt this country had come far enough that, every month, we should be able to learn about our black American artists, teachers, inventors, writers, pioneers, activists, religious leaders, trend setters, scientists, mathematicians, and architects. Then I remembered how much I enjoy sharing this particular time with my fellow Americans and our guests from other countries around the world.

Amina Royster(Photo by Jane Rubinsky)
Not sure of exactly what I wanted to say, I took advantage of my time at home to poll my African-American family members and friends, asking if they thought Black History Month was still necessary in this day and age. Surprisingly, everyone I asked—ranging in age from 16 to 59—communicated basically the same thoughts. They said that Black History Month is a very important time, especially for the black people of today. This generation is far enough removed from the realities of our hard-earned transitions from slavery and segregation that we need the reminder. I had always been proud to have the opportunity to share my heritage with others, but I rarely thought about how important this celebration is to my own people—and to myself.

What a horrifying thought it is, to imagine what the African-American would be like who forgot where he or she came from. I am glad that I know how hard I should work to do the best I can in all I do. Every opportunity I have was won by the courage, strength, bloodshed, broken bones, wit, broken hearts, and lost lives of my black ancestors. Though I had a deeper understanding as to why Black History Month is so important, I still had a question: Couldn't the information taught in February be taught year-round in schools, museums, on television, etc.? I believed that Black History Month could be celebrated ever day of the year, and its lessons taught just like "American" history is today. African-American history is American history, right?

My mother quickly responded that America was not yet able to let go of Black History Month. I asked myself, how it could be possible for America not to be ready to desegregate its own history? Minutes later, I remembered why I can agree with my mother: When I was a child, less educated and far less mature, any time I heard a person say anything about Africa, I cringed with disgust and shame. I had been taught by television that the African part of my identity was pitiful. Even today's media seems overwhelmingly focused on the devastatingly poor African living on top of a heap of trash, surrounded by flies and crying because of the hunger pains stabbing inside her balloon-like belly. This leaves the ignorant mind with the impression that this is the circumstance of the entire African continent. I still need Black History Month to remind me of Africa's beauty and the rich cultures that still influence many aspects of my African-American heritage. These great things make me very proud of who I am. But my opinion is that, as long as I am identified as an African-American, as opposed to simply American, then we are in no position to stop celebrating Black History Month.

Amina Royster is a fourth-year dance student.

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